The National Flood Insurance Program has agreed to give homeowners six more months to file crucial paperwork to support their superstorm Sandy claims.

The document, called a "proof of loss," had been due this week. But New York's Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand asked the government-run insurer to give homeowners more time. They now have until Oct. 30.

Missing that deadline could leave homeowners ineligible to receive more money from the insurer, which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"This critical extension is the right thing to do, and will provide Sandy-impacted homeowners who are still piecing their lives back together the necessary time to enable them to file flood insurance claims that fully reflect all of their losses," said Gillibrand. "I thank FEMA for heeding our call to assist New Yorkers through this process."